AP sources: US seeks new home for Yemen strongman

FILE - In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 file photo, Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh speaks to reporters during a news conference at the Presidential Palace in Sanaa, Yemen. The Obama administration is engaged in an intensive effort with Yemenâ€™s embattled strongman to find him a new home, preferably not in the United States, so that his violence-wracked Arabian homeland can proceed with a transition to democracy, officials said Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012.

WASHINGTON — Officials say the U.S. is working intensively with Yemen's embattled strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh (AH'-lee ahb-DUH'-luh sah-LEH') to find him a new home. He wants to come to the U.S., but officials hope he'll go elsewhere.

The Obama administration's counterterrorism chief, John Brennan, is leading efforts to get Saleh to leave Yemen to secure its democratic transition.

Officials say diplomacy gained momentum this week when Saleh discussed leaving with the U.S. ambassador to Yemen.

But he has few options. Officials say the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia rejected him. The U.S. is trying with other countries.

The 69-year-old has re-submitted a visa application to enter the U.S. Washington doesn't want him but has yet to make a decision.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of ongoing sensitive diplomacy.